Crane Hook Positioning via Real-Time 3D Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hoisting process in crane operations is complex and prone to misoperation due to limited visibility and manual control requirements, leading to increased labor costs and safety risks, especially in large-scale hoisting where operators struggle to accurately position the crane hook and hoisted objects.

Innovation Solution

A crane hook positioning method and system that uses a camera on the lifting arm to collect images, determine three-dimensional coordinates of the hook and target, and control the crane's slewing, luffing, and hoisting actions to achieve precise automatic positioning without manual intervention, incorporating obstacle detection and image processing to ensure accurate alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control and command operations are used for crane hook positioning, then the operator can control the crane, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to limited field of vision and difficulty in seeing the hoisted object and in-position point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual control capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image processing technology to create a visual copy of the hoisting scene, displaying the hoisted object, in-position point, and hook position on a screen. This allows the operator to see the positioning status clearly without needing direct visual contact with the actual objects, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining manual control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the operator and the actual hoisting objects. The system processes images to highlight the in-position point and hook position, serving as a mediator that enhances the operator's ability to judge positioning accuracy without requiring direct visual contact with the objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual judgment and manual control are required for hook positioning, then the operator can control the crane, but the operation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual control capabilityVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a processed visual copy of the hoisting scene that clearly marks the in-position point and hook position, allowing the operator to make rapid positioning decisions without complex manual judgment, thereby reducing operation time while preserving manual control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing system provides real-time visual feedback to the operator, showing the relative positions of the hook and in-position point. This feedback mechanism enables the operator to make quicker, more accurate control decisions, reducing the time required for positioning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the operator needs to see the hoisted object and in-position point accurately, then positioning precision can be improved, but the operator cannot approach dangerous positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidoperator accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a visual copy of the hoisting scene displayed on a screen, allowing the operator to accurately observe the hoisted object and in-position point from a safe distance. This eliminates the need for the operator to physically approach dangerous positions while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing system acts as an intermediary that enables the operator to observe critical positioning information without physical proximity to dangerous areas. The system processes and displays images to provide clear visual information about the hoisted object and in-position point, maintaining positioning accuracy while ensuring operator safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If multiple hoisting commanders and operators are used for large-scale hoisting, then the positioning capability is enhanced, but the labor cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of personnel
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing system provides a comprehensive visual copy of the entire hoisting scene to the operator, enabling single-operator control of complex large-scale hoisting operations. This eliminates the need for multiple hoisting commanders and operators, reducing personnel requirements while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time visual feedback showing the positions of multiple components in the hoisting system, enabling one operator to monitor and control the entire operation effectively. This feedback mechanism replaces the need for multiple personnel while maintaining the positioning accuracy required for large-scale hoisting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4056518B1Crane hook positioning method, apparatus and system, and engineereing machinery
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 ZOOMLION HEAVY INDUSTRY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4056518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4056518B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4056518B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A crane hook positioning method, apparatus and system, and a piece of engineering machinery. The method comprises: acquiring current state information and a first image of a crane; determining a hoisting path according to the current state information and the relative position of a hook and a target to be positioned, wherein the relative position is determined according to the first image; and controlling the crane to execute hook positioning according to the hoisting path. In the method, an image of directly beneath a lifting arm is collected in real time, and a target is extracted by means of image processing to obtain three-dimensional coordinates of a hook, a hoisted object and a target in-position point, so as to determine the positional relationship between the hook, the hoisted object and the target in-position point; and hoisting path planning and hoisting work are realized according to current state information of a crane, such that the real-time tracking and automatic positioning of the hook and other targets in a camera collection region are realized, and a positioning process does not require a manual operation, and the positioning accuracy is high.